Regents question cost of new building

HOUSTON Texas Tech regents questioned the price tag of a proposed Animal Sciences and Food Technology Building on Thursday and whether it was "fantastically lavish."

The building, whose plans include animal care facilities, a retail shop for research-related dairy and food products as well as new classrooms, labs and offices, is slated to cost in the neighborhood of $35 million, said Michael Ellicott, facilities vice chancellor.

"We've been looking at numbers for years near $6 million," said regent Chairman Jim Sowell. "The (English/Philosophy and Education) Building is $42 million, and it supports a lot of students. We're looking at $35 million here, and I bet this building doesn't support near as many students."

Liz Lonngren, who recently stepped down as interim vice chancellor for facilities, told regents that the old budget figures were based on different agriculture programs.

Graduate Dean David Schmidly said the facilities that now serve about 2,200 students are "woefully inadequate" for modern animal science research, adding that they are some of the worst he's seen.

Currently, department faculty are housed in multiple buildings, which, Ellicott said, "inhibits faculty collaboration and splinters the education process. The facility is inadequate for a modern teaching and research function."

In other business Thursday, a regents committee preliminarily approved awarding a contract for a $757,487 renovation to the Charles E. Maedgen Jr. Theatre. Proposed renovations include an enlarged lobby, expanded display and restroom space as well as better accommodations for disabled people.

Ellicott also informed regents of the progress in renovations to Jones Stadium. He said the first phase, scheduled to begin in March and conclude in September, will include expanded restrooms and concession space as well as improved handicapped access.

Regent Dick Brooks questioned the use of out-of-state architects on the project.

"Whenever we can, I'd like to use Texas architects," he said. "Last meeting, we talked about (a project with) a New York architect."